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Jun 17, 2026 Major2
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Tom Dreesen, Pioneering Interracial Comedy Duo Member and Sinatra's Opening Act, Dies at 86
Tom Dreesen, a pioneering comedian who formed one of America's first interracial comedy duos with Tim Reid in 1969 and later served as Frank Sinatra's opening act for 14 years, died Wednesday at age 86 at his home in Los Angeles. He had a prolific career spanning over 500 television appearances and worked with major entertainment figures including Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minnelli, and Johnny Carson.
Quick Facts
Who
Tom Dreesen
What
Formed interracial comedy duo "Tim and Tom"
When
1939 (born September 11)
Where
Chicago
- Formed interracial comedy duo "Tim and Tom"
- Used humor to address social issues
- Performed stand-up comedy
- Served as Sinatra's opening act
- Made 500+ national television appearances
Tom Dreesen, the comedy trailblazer who formed one of America's first interracial stand-up comedy duos and served as Frank Sinatra's opening act for 14 years, died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 86. No cause of death was provided by his publicist, Lori De Waal.
Dreesen met Tim Reid, who was Black, in Chicago and together they formed "Tim and Tom" in 1969. During a period of significant racial tension, the duo used humor to address social issues and promote understanding between audiences of different backgrounds. They performed together until the mid-1970s, when they parted ways. Reid went on to television success playing DJ Venus Flytrap on the popular sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati," where Dreesen appeared as a guest star.
After his partnership with Reid ended, Dreesen honed a successful solo comedy career spanning decades. He made over 500 national television appearances, including 60 visits to "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and frequent appearances on "The Late Show with David Letterman." His final television appearance came last week on "Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen." Dreesen and Letterman developed a friendship dating to the early 1970s when both worked at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, California.
Dreesen's relationship with Sinatra became deeply personal. "If he loved you, he worshipped the ground you walked on," Dreesen told The Desert Sun newspaper in 2014. "In a lot of ways, he was like a father to me." Beyond Sinatra, Dreesen toured with fellow Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr., as well as Liza Minnelli, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, and Tony Orlando. He also pursued acting roles in television shows including "Columbo," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Touched by an Angel," and appeared in films such as "Spaceballs," "Man on the Moon," "Trouble With the Curve," and HBO movies "The Rat Pack" and "Lansky."
Dreesen was born September 11, 1939, in Chicago and raised as one of eight children in suburban Harvey. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served until 1960. He later worked in sales before pursuing comedy. In 2008, he co-wrote the book "Tim and Tom: An American Comedy Act in Black and White," and in 2020 he published his memoir. Dreesen was also active in charitable work, motivational speaking, and veterans' causes, serving as an ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Dreesen is survived by daughters Amy and Jennifer from his marriage to Maryellen Subock, which ended in divorce in 1984, as well as seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Tommy.
#social issues#comedian#entertainment#television#comedy#late-night shows#The Tonight Show#opening act#television appearances#Johnny Carson#racial tension#Tim Reid#David Letterman#obituary#entertainment industry#stand-up comedian#interracial comedy#Frank Sinatra#Tom Dreesen#interracial duo#stand-up comedy
Why This Matters
Tom Dreesen's career represents a pivotal moment in American entertainment history when humor became a tool for breaking down racial barriers during the Civil Rights era. His pioneering interracial comedy duo challenged social norms and demonstrated that comedy could educate and unite diverse audiences. For readers interested in entertainment history, civil rights progress, or the evolution of stand-up comedy, Dreesen's legacy illustrates how artists can leverage their platforms to address social issues while building meaningful professional relationships with entertainment icons like Frank Sinatra. His decades-long career also provides insight into the changing landscape of comedy television from Johnny Carson to modern platforms.
Timeline & Sources
Sep 11, 1939
WireTom Dreesen born in Chicago
Jan 1, 1956
WireDreesen enlisted in U.S. Navy at age 17
Jan 1, 1960
WireDreesen discharged from Navy, returned to Chicago to work various jobs
Jan 1, 1969
WireDreesen and Tim Reid formed Tim and Tom comedy duo
Jan 1, 1969
WireDreesen and Tim Reid formed "Tim and Tom" comedy duo in Chicago
Jan 1, 1984
WireDreesen's marriage to Maryellen Subock ended in divorce
Jan 1, 2008
WireDreesen co-wrote book Tim and Tom: An American Comedy Act in Black and White
Jan 1, 2008
WireDreesen co-wrote Tim and Tom: An American Comedy Act in Black and White
Jan 1, 2014
WireDreesen gave interview to The Desert Sun about his relationship with Sinatra
Jan 1, 2020
WireDreesen published his memoir
Jun 10, 2026
WireDreesen's final TV appearance on Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen
Jun 18, 2026
WireTom Dreesen dies at his home in Los Angeles at age 86